Was the Chanukah Miracle Necessary?

We all know the story of Chanukah: With all the odds against them, the Jews were victorious over their enemies. However, when they returned to the Holy Temple, they found that all the oil for the Menorah was defiled. God made a miracle and the oil lasted for eight days until they could procure new oil that was pure.

Sure, it’s a nice story, but it also contains a powerful lesson: When trying to lead a Jewish life in an increasingly secular world, it can be tempting to make compromises. But the story of Chanukah teaches that when the odds are against you, there’s only one proven path to a miraculous victory.